The college football landscape is reaching its crescendo as the playoff picture begins to take shape following another dramatic weekend. Georgia and Clemson were among the big winners, while others faltered at the most critical juncture. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from the weekend’s games as teams jockey for position in the College Football Playoff (CFP) race.
Winners
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia continued to assert its dominance as the nation’s top team with another emphatic victory, reinforcing its claim as the favorite to win a third straight national title. The Bulldogs have maintained their impeccable balance on both sides of the ball, blending a potent offense led by quarterback Carson Beck with a smothering defense. Their latest triumph in the SEC Championship Game over Alabama was a statement victory, solidifying their position as the No. 1 seed in the CFP bracket.
What sets Georgia apart is their resilience and ability to peak at the right time. Head coach Kirby Smart has built a juggernaut that thrives in high-pressure moments, and their current winning streak is a testament to the program’s elite preparation and execution.
Clemson Tigers
After a rollercoaster season, Clemson emerged as a surprise winner with a crucial win over North Carolina in the ACC Championship Game. While the Tigers had struggled with consistency earlier in the season, they closed strong with key victories that showcased their defensive prowess and quarterback Cade Klubnik’s growth.
Clemson’s late-season surge likely won’t push them into the CFP, but it does restore faith in a program that had seemed to lose its footing among college football’s elite. The Tigers now look poised to carry momentum into bowl season and beyond, signaling a promising outlook for 2024.
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan’s win over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship solidified their spot in the CFP. The Wolverines have navigated a tumultuous season, including the suspension of head coach Jim Harbaugh, yet remain unbeaten. Their physical dominance in the trenches and a balanced attack led by J.J. McCarthy make them a legitimate threat to win it all.
Losers
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama’s narrow loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship likely dashed their hopes of returning to the CFP. Despite a valiant effort, the Tide couldn’t overcome Georgia’s suffocating defense. This marks a rare missed opportunity for Nick Saban’s squad, which had shown improvement throughout the season but came up short when it mattered most.
Florida State Seminoles
Despite their perfect record and ACC Championship victory, Florida State may be the odd team out in the playoff discussion due to their quarterback injury woes. The CFP committee has historically valued strength of schedule and current team condition over perfection, and FSU’s lackluster offensive output post-Jordan Travis could cost them dearly.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State, once a top contender, finds itself on the outside looking in after their loss to Michigan. Despite a talented roster, the Buckeyes failed to secure a statement win, leaving them at the mercy of other results.
Looking Ahead
As the CFP bracket gets finalized, Georgia and Michigan seem locks for the top two seeds, with Washington and Texas likely rounding out the top four. Controversy will undoubtedly surround the exclusion of undefeated Florida State, but the committee’s decisions will hinge on which teams are deemed most competitive at full strength. Regardless, the stage is set for an electrifying postseason, with Georgia and Clemson emerging as two of the weekend’s biggest winners.
